YOU AT YOUR BEST. Health matters.

Keeping The Kids Safe This Summer

As the seasons change, so do the ailments and injuries pediatricians are most likely to be treating.

Our doctors filled us in on what to watch for this summer:

-- Kids are outdoors more, and injuries outnumber illnesses. Pediatricians treat more bruises, cuts and broken bones. Outfit children with proper equipment for playing sports, riding bicycles or roller skating.

-- Drownings in back-yard pools and spas increase dramatically during the hot-weather months. Diligent supervision is the best precaution. Other safety measures include fencing around pool areas and locks on doors or gates. Training in CPR can help in an emergency.

-- Swimmer's ear is another water-related problem more prevalent in summer. Dr. Norah Gutrecht, who has a Santa Ana, Calif., practice, suggests this preventive measure: Place two drops from a half-and-half solution of rubbing alcohol and plain white vinegar in each ear at the end of the day after swimming.

-- Guard against sunburns. Apply a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 every four to six hours, making sure not to forget the upper part of the ears and the back of the neck.

-- Try a hat with flaps that cover the neck or other apparel made from specially treated fabric that blocks ultraviolet rays. And don't be fooled by overcast days.

-- Guard against burns from backyard or picnic barbecues. Supervision, again, is the key.

-- Children get caught up in play, unaware of the dangers of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Encourage them to drink plenty of liquids-- water, juice or Gatorade-- and to take short breaks now and then.

-- If the kids are going to be outdoors at dusk, when more insects are buzzing around, or hiking in the woods, provide some protection.

-- Apply insect repellent to their faces, necks and other exposed areas. Some are a combination moisturizer, sunscreen and repellent. Light long-sleeved tops, pants and covered shoes are recommended for walking in the woods.

-- The sneezing continues, this time from allergies. Except for runny eyes and a stuffy nose, your child will look--and most likely act--normal. But he or she may go through a box of tissue a day.